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Jaguars free agent check-in: Parker Washington and Ventrell Miller lead the way

• Tough decisions will have to be made.
ByCarlos Sanchez
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) smiles during the third day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) smiles during the third day of NFL Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't take a big swing in 2026 free agency because they had a limited amount of cap space, choosing instead to focus on locking up their homegrown talent. Given that the Jags might not once again have much space in 2027, there's a strong chance they will once again be relatively quiet once again.

This isn't great news when you take into account that several players are slated to hit the open market. Jacksonville may be able to keep a few of them, but a good chunk of them could leave.

With this in mind, here's a look at some of the Jaguars' free agents in 2027.

Checking in on some key 2027 Jaguars free agents heading into Week 8

Arik Armstead, defensive tackle

Arik Armstead hasn't been nearly as underwhelming as he was late in 2025. However, he hasn't been great either, registering nine total pressures and one sack in six games. Heck, you could make the case that the only reason the 2015 first-round pick keeps getting playing time is that Jacksonville doesn't have anyone better.

The Jags could have moved on from Armstead in the offseason but kept him around in hopes that he could bounce back. So far, he hasn't, so nobody will bat an eye if he leaves in 2027.

DaVon Hamilton, defensive tackle

Unlike Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton is playing at a high level. Sure, he doesn't create much pressure from the interior but has been a stud against the run and is one key reason Jacksonville ranks first in the league against the run even after the Houston Texans racked up more than 100 rushing yards in Week 6.

Given that Ham's potential replacement, rookie Albert Regis, has been a non-factor, there's a chance he'll return next year.

Ezra Cleveland, offensive guard

After dealing with injuries in his first two years with the Jaguars, Ezra Cleveland broke out in 2025. He's picked up where he left off, giving up just one sack and 10 total pressures in six games.

But as good as he's been, Cleveland probably won't return to Duval next year because the Jags may be dealing with cap constraints. His versatility to play both guard spots will make him an appealing option in free agency.

Daniel Faalele, offensive guard

The Jaguars traded for Daniel Faalele before the regular season started because they were dealing with injuries on the offensive line. But now that they're a bit healthier up front, Daniel Faalele has been a healthy scratch. Granted, he was active in Week 6 but didn't log any snaps on offense.

Maybe Faalele could see the field if the offensive line suffers injuries down the stretch, but he probably won't stick around in Duval next year.

Ameer Abdullah, running back

The Jaguars probably didn't expect much from Ameer Abdullah when they signed him in free agency, but he's surprisingly carved out a niche as a pass-catcher in the Jacksonville backfield and as a returner on special teams.

Abdullah deserves plenty of praise for coming up clutch with a return late in the fourth quarter against the Eagles, and nobody will deny his contributions have been huge. However, he may have trouble returning to the Jags next year because the trio of Chris Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Bhayshul Tuten remain in the mix.

Ventrell Miller, linebacker

While Devin Lloyd has continued to be a playmaker for the Carolina Panthers, the Jaguars haven't missed a bit without him because Ventrell Miller has stepped up in his place.

Although Miller hasn't made nearly as many big plays as Lloyd did in Jacksonville last year, he's still one of the highest-graded linebackers in the whole NFL. If the former Florida Gator leaves in free agency next year, he'll have no shortage of suitors.

Antonio Johnson, safety

Antonio Johnson had a breakout season in 2025, registering a career-best five interceptions. He hasn't created as many takeaways this season because he's lined up closer to the line of scrimmage. Nevertheless, the former Texas A&M Aggie has still been a force for the Jags.

Ideally, the Jaguars will re-sign Johnson, but they'll have bigger priorities (more on that later). When you factor in that he'll likely command top-market money, there's a strong chance that the East St. Louis, Illinois native will depart in free agency next year.

Parker Washington, wide receiver

Without a doubt, Parker Washington will be the team's biggest priority next offseason. Before the regular season began, the Jags reportedly offered a deal that would pay the former Penn State Nittany Lion an average of $25 million per year, but he declined, opting instead to bet on himself.

The decision paid off, as Washington leads the team in receptions (26, tied with Brenton Strange), receiving touchdowns (four), and receiving yards (416) six games into the season. He's currently on pace to record the first 1,000-yard season of his career.

If Washington hits the open market, you can bet that he'll draw ample interest. If he stays in Duval, don't be surprised if he gets a deal that pays him $30 million per year, if not more.

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